KSrelief, WHO sign $300m cooperation deal to fight polio

The deal was signed by Abdullah Al-Rabeeah and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. (SPA)
The deal was signed by Abdullah Al-Rabeeah and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. (SPA)
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KSrelief, WHO sign $300m cooperation deal to fight polio

KSrelief, WHO sign $300m cooperation deal to fight polio
  • The deal includes a series of preventive activities that will help eradicate polio in settlement areas in target countries, notably Pakistan and Afghanistan

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief recently signed a $300 million cooperation agreement with the World Health Organization to develop a strategy for eradicating polio around the world.

The deal, agreed on the sidelines of the 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum, was signed by Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, the agency’s supervisor general and adviser to the Royal Court, and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

It includes a series of preventive activities that will help eradicate polio in settlement areas in target countries, notably Pakistan and Afghanistan.

 


Arab League’s educational arm promotes hi-tech approach to verifying academic certificates

The delegates discussed ALECSO’s initiatives to promote digital transformation in the Arab world. (Supplied)
The delegates discussed ALECSO’s initiatives to promote digital transformation in the Arab world. (Supplied)
Updated 28 February 2025
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Arab League’s educational arm promotes hi-tech approach to verifying academic certificates

The delegates discussed ALECSO’s initiatives to promote digital transformation in the Arab world. (Supplied)
  • Mohamed Ould Amar, director-general of ALECSO, said the event marked a significant step forward for the sector

RIYADH: The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization on Friday held an event to promote the use of a unified system for verifying the authenticity of academic certificates and preventing forgery.

Held at its headquarters in Tunisia, the event was attended by Tunisian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Mondher Belaid and experts from the fields of information and communication technology, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Mohamed Ould Amar, director-general of ALECSO, said the event marked a significant step forward for the sector.

“This initiative aligns with the recommendations from the 18th Conference of Arab Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research, which called for the development of a unified system incorporating cutting-edge technologies to authenticate academic certificates,” he said.

“The implementation of this unified system will represent a significant advancement in higher education in our region. It will combat certificate forgery, thus bolstering the credibility of our educational institutions. This system will also streamline student enrollment in Arab universities through the mutual and rapid recognition of certificates, increasing employers’ confidence in graduates’ qualifications and enhancing transparency in academic and administrative processes.”

The delegates also discussed ALECSO’s initiatives to promote digital transformation in the Arab world, and the role of blockchain and the Saddakni system in verifying certificates and protecting against forgery.

 


Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo to bring together sector’s leaders in May

Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo to bring together sector’s leaders in May
Updated 28 February 2025
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Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo to bring together sector’s leaders in May

Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo to bring together sector’s leaders in May
  • SEA Expo returns for seventh year, attracting over 15,000 industry professionals, 300 local and global exhibitors

RIYADH: The Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo is set to return for its seventh year from May 20-22 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center, bringing together the world’s top entertainment and amusement brands, and showcasing the latest advances in the sector.

SEA 2025 will run alongside the Saudi Light and Sound Expo and will showcase innovation and industry trends, bringing together global experts and sector leaders.

As Saudi Arabia accelerates its Vision 2030 ambitions and positions itself as the nexus of the global entertainment and amusement landscape, the expo serves as a central platform where industry leaders, investors, and visionaries from across the world converge to actively shape the future of entertainment.

From theme parks to experiential tech, local and global brands are finding new ways to be part of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment and amusement scene.

Sarkis Kahwajian, associate vice president at organizers DMG Events, said: “The SEA Expo exemplifies the Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a global leader in the entertainment sector.

“SEA Expo is fueling this shift in the entertainment and amusement sector, providing a sought-after platform for businesses to connect, collaborate, and innovate, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the wider Middle East’s fast-evolving entertainment landscape.”

Featuring over 300 local and global brands with the latest ingenuity in amusement, theme parks, entertainment tech and more, the expo is set to welcome over 15,000 entertainment industry professionals, opening the door for vital international collaborations and multi-billion-dollar investments.

Co-located with the SLS Expo, it doubles the opportunities and experiences, bringing together two distinct industry events at one venue. The co-location allows attendees to explore a diverse range of products, solutions, and innovations — not just in entertainment and amusement, but also in professional lighting design, technology, and audio advancements.

The SLS Expo will showcase the latest sound, lighting, and audiovisual innovations.

Kahwajian added: “SLS Expo 2025 is the perfect stage for professionals to see how new-age technology is propelling the Kingdom’s professional lighting and sound sector to new heights. We truly believe this expo is an accelerator for the industry in the region.”

As Saudi Arabia’s pro-light and sound industry grows in line with Vision 2030’s goals of economic development, entertainment expansion, and infrastructure advancement, SLS Expo plays an essential role in this progress, he said, adding that with major investments in awe-inspiring venues and ingenious event tech, it will showcase innovations shaping the future of professional lighting and sound in the Kingdom.

SLS Expo is the ideal meeting hub for suppliers, venue operators, and event organizers to engage with 200 local and global brands.

Beyond the exhibition, the dedicated SLS summit will host over 25 speakers across 10 conference sessions covering a wide range of topics, including captivating event technologies, sustainability in production, and the role of smart tech in live shows.


Saudi aid project to combat blindness launched in Sri Lanka

Saudi aid project to combat blindness launched in Sri Lanka
Updated 23 sec ago
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Saudi aid project to combat blindness launched in Sri Lanka

Saudi aid project to combat blindness launched in Sri Lanka
  • The initiative was part of the humanitarian and relief projects implemented by Saudi Arabia to support the medical sector and assist patients and those with eye diseases

COLOMBO: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center recently implemented the Saudi Noor Voluntary Project to combat blindness and its causes in Sri Lanka.

During the campaign, KSrelief’s volunteer medical team examined 4,723 patients, performed 434 cataract surgeries, and distributed 967 pairs of eyeglasses.

The initiative was part of the humanitarian and relief projects implemented by Saudi Arabia to support the medical sector and assist patients and those with eye diseases.

 


Winter Media Forum concludes in Jouf

Winter Media Forum concludes in Jouf
Updated 8 min 26 sec ago
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Winter Media Forum concludes in Jouf

Winter Media Forum concludes in Jouf
  • The event is the first of its kind in Jouf and is considered a platform to bring together media professionals

SAKAKA: The Winter Media Forum in Jouf, which was held under the guidance and support of Jouf Gov. Prince Faisal bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz, and organized by its media association, concluded on Thursday.

Dr. Nawaf bin Thuwaiban Al-Khalidi, adviser to the governorate for heritage and culture, along with media professionals and other participants, attended the closing ceremony, which honored partners, trainers and several media professionals.

Abdulaziz bin Abdulwahid Al-Hamwan, chairman of the media association, expressed gratitude to the governor for supporting the forum and the association’s programs. He thanked government and private bodies and all participants, and noted that the Winter Media Forum helped 182 trainees, including media professionals and members of the local community.

The event is the first of its kind in Jouf and is considered a platform to bring together media professionals, offering six specialized training programs aimed at developing the skills of youngsters, students and media professionals.

 


King Salman, crown prince exchange Ramadan greetings with Islamic nations

King Salman, crown prince exchange Ramadan greetings with Islamic nations
Updated 28 February 2025
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King Salman, crown prince exchange Ramadan greetings with Islamic nations

King Salman, crown prince exchange Ramadan greetings with Islamic nations
  • Greetings reflect Kingdom’s commitment to fostering unity and solidarity among Islamic nations

RIYADH: King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday extended their congratulations to the leaders of Islamic countries on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In line with their annual tradition of strengthening ties with fellow Islamic nations, the Saudi leadership sent cables of congratulations, praying for the acceptance of good deeds and for the Islamic world to experience continued prosperity, unity, and empowerment during Ramadan, SPA added.

In return, King Salman and the crown prince received messages of congratulations from leaders across the Islamic world.

The exchange of greetings reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering unity and solidarity among Islamic nations, especially during the sacred month of Ramadan.